Maintenance information output method, computer program, and maintenance information output device

Abstract

The present invention provides a maintenance information output method, a computer program, and a maintenance information output device that improve user experience related to an air conditioner. The maintenance information output method causes a computer to execute processing for: designating a time at which maintenance is required for an air conditioner and the content of the required maintenance; generating a prompt that causes a generation model to output notification data pertaining to the maintenance of the air conditioner; and outputting the notification data that is, by issuing the prompt to the generation model, generated in accordance with the content and the time at which the maintenance is required.

Description

Maintenance information output method, computer program, and maintenance information output device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a maintenance information output method, a computer program, and a maintenance information output device.

[0002] Air conditioners equipped with technology that autonomously diagnoses their own condition and voluntarily notifies maintenance when an abnormality is detected, for example, have become widespread (Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2022-087581

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a maintenance information output method, a computer program, and a maintenance information output device that improve user experience regarding air conditioners.

[0005] A maintenance information output method according to one embodiment causes a computer to execute processing for identifying a time when maintenance is required for an air conditioner and the content of required maintenance, generating a prompt that causes a generation model to output notification data regarding maintenance of the air conditioner, and outputting notification data generated by providing the prompt to the generation model in accordance with the time when maintenance is required and the content.

[0006] The maintenance information output method according to one embodiment may cause the computer to execute processing for storing an implementation history of maintenance of the air conditioner, and identifying the time when maintenance is required and the content of maintenance based on material data for maintenance of the air conditioner, date and time information at the time of processing, and the implementation history.

[0007] The maintenance information output method according to one embodiment may cause the computer to execute processing for acquiring the required time and the content by providing any one of the usage history of the air conditioner, the implementation history, and the material data, the date and time information, and a prompt instructing identification of the time when maintenance is required and the content of maintenance to the generation model.

[0008] In one embodiment of the maintenance information output method, the generation model is provided with one of the following: the usage history of the air conditioner, the maintenance history of the air conditioner, and the data of the air conditioner, along with calendar information and a prompt instructing the generation model to suggest a timing for outputting the notification data, and the computer is instructed to perform a process to output the notification data based on the timing suggested by the generation model.

[0009] In one embodiment of the maintenance information output method, the computer may be instructed to perform a process to determine the frequency or interval at which the notification data is output, according to the priority determined based on the content of the maintenance.

[0010] In one embodiment of the maintenance information output method, the computer may perform a process to identify the timing and content of the maintenance required based on a notification from the diagnostic unit of the air conditioner.

[0011] In one embodiment of the maintenance information output method, the computer may be instructed to perform a process that includes data showing the consequences of not performing the required maintenance at the time when the maintenance is required, in the notification data, and output this data to the generation model.

[0012] In one embodiment of the maintenance information output method, the computer may be instructed to perform a process that outputs the notification data as text, audio, or images indicating the time and content of the maintenance required.

[0013] In one embodiment of the maintenance information output method, the computer may receive a response message from the notification recipient to the notification data, and in response to the response message, either store the maintenance implementation history or store the maintenance implementation schedule.

[0014] In one embodiment of the maintenance information output method, if the implementation schedule is stored, the computer may be instructed to perform a process to output the notification data again based on the implementation schedule.

[0015] In one embodiment of the maintenance information output method, the computer may receive a response from the notification recipient to the notification data, and if the response is a question about the air conditioner, it may provide the generation model with the response as knowledge, including documentation data related to the air conditioner, to create a response to the response and output the created response.

[0016] In one embodiment of the maintenance information output method, the computer may be instructed to perform a process that identifies the time and content of maintenance required for each of the multiple air conditioners, generates a prompt to output notification data that aggregates and notifies the content of the maintenance for multiple air conditioners whose maintenance time falls within a predetermined range from the processing time, and outputs the notification data obtained by providing the generated prompt to the generation model.

[0017] In one embodiment of the maintenance information output method, the air conditioner may store a plurality of notification destinations, receive notification requests from the notification destinations to other notification destinations, and cause the computer to execute a process to notify the other notification destinations of notification data and the content of the request in response to the request.

[0018] In one embodiment of the maintenance information output method, the target of maintenance may include a refrigerator, a washing machine, or a humidifier.

[0019] One embodiment of the computer program causes a computer connected to an air conditioner to communicate with the air conditioner to identify the time and content of maintenance required for the air conditioner, generate a prompt to output notification data regarding the maintenance of the air conditioner to a generation model, and execute a process to output notification data that is generated by providing the prompt to the generation model according to the time and content of the required maintenance.

[0020] A maintenance information output device according to one embodiment includes a control unit that identifies the time and content of maintenance required for an air conditioner, generates a prompt to cause a generation model to output notification data regarding the maintenance of the air conditioner, and outputs notification data generated by providing the prompt to the generation model according to the time and content of the required maintenance.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the maintenance information output method, computer program, and maintenance information output device, the user experience related to air conditioners is improved.

[0022] This is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the air conditioner. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the user terminal. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the first server. This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the second server. This is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the user terminal in the air conditioning system. This is a flowchart showing an example of a maintenance notification procedure by the air conditioning system in the first embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of a generated prompt. This is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen output to the display unit. This is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen output to the display unit. This is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen output to the display unit. This is a diagram showing an example of a notification screen output to the display unit. This is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the user terminal in the second embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of a maintenance notification procedure by the air conditioning system in the second embodiment. This is a functional block diagram of the air conditioning system in the third embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of a maintenance notification procedure by the air conditioning system in the third embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of a maintenance notification procedure by the air conditioning system in the third embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of a maintenance notification procedure by the air conditioning system in the third embodiment. This is a flowchart showing an example of a notification screen in the third embodiment. This figure shows an example of a notification screen in the third embodiment. This figure shows an example of a notification screen in the third embodiment. This figure shows an example of a notification screen in the third embodiment.

[0023] A specific example of the maintenance information output method according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, this technology is not limited to these disclosures, and is as defined by the claims, with all modifications intended to be within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0024] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. The air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment comprises an air conditioner 100 and a user terminal 200. The air conditioner 100 and the user terminal 200 are connected to each other via a local communication network NW1 such as Wi-Fi®.

[0025] The air conditioner 100 is a household or commercial air conditioner for adjusting the temperature, humidity, air quality, etc., of a room, and comprises an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The air conditioner 100 adjusts the temperature, humidity, etc., of a room by operating in accordance with control commands output from a remote controller 150 or a user terminal 200. In the first embodiment, the air conditioner 100 will be described below as a so-called air conditioner comprising an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, but "air conditioner" means a device that adjusts the indoor environment (humidity, temperature, air quality), and encompasses the air conditioner 100, air purifier 151, circulator 152, diffuser 153, and humidifier 158 (see Figure 6).

[0026] The user terminal 200 is a device such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or smart speaker operated by the user of the air conditioner 100. The user terminal 200 is equipped with artificial intelligence (AI). The artificial intelligence installed in the user terminal 200 is constructed by a generative model MD2 that generates new content in response to inputs such as text, voice, still images, and videos. The generative model MD2 may be a proprietary model that has been fine-tuned and / or distilled (lightened) for a specific application. The content generated by the generative model MD2 includes text, sound such as voice or music, and images such as still images or videos. The user terminal 200 can create the indoor environment desired by the user by using the generative AI to interact with the user, generate control commands for the air conditioner 100, and control the operation of the air conditioner 100 based on the generated control commands.

[0027] In the example shown in Figure 1, there is one user terminal 200, but there may be multiple user terminals 200 capable of controlling the air conditioner 100.

[0028] The air conditioning system 1 may further include an air purifier 151, a circulator 152, a diffuser 153, lighting equipment 154, and sound equipment 155. The air purifier 151 is a device for purifying the indoor air and providing clean air. The circulator 152 is a device for circulating the indoor air. The diffuser 153 is a device for diffusing fragrance. The lighting equipment 154 is a device for illuminating the indoor space. The sound equipment 155 is a device for playing music, ambient sounds, etc. These devices 151 to 155 are connected to at least one of the air conditioner 100 and the user terminal 200 via a communication network NW1 so as to be able to communicate.

[0029] The air conditioning system 1 may further include a wearable device 250 worn by the user. The wearable device 250 measures, for example, at least one of the user's heart rate, body temperature, sweating, blood pressure, respiration, brain waves, and body composition, and outputs the measurement results as the user's biometric information. The output destination may be the air conditioning unit 100 or the user terminal 200.

[0030] The air conditioning system 1 may further include a first server 310 or a second server 320 accessible from the air conditioner 100 or a user terminal 200. The air conditioner 100 or the user terminal 200 and the first server 310 or the second server 320 are connected to each other via an external communication network NW2, such as the Internet.

[0031] The first server 310 is equipped with a generative AI. The generative AI of the first server 310 is constructed by a generative model MD3 that generates new content in response to inputs such as text, audio, still images, and videos. The generative model MD3 may include existing models such as GPT (Generative Pretrained Transformer, registered trademark), BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers), GAN (Generative Adversarial Network), Wave Net, DALL-E, and Stable Diffusion, or it may be a unique model that has been fine-tuned for a specific application from an existing model. The first server 310 generates content such as text, audio, still images, and videos in response to a request from the air conditioner 100 or user terminal 200, and returns the generated content to the requester.

[0032] The first server 310 stores a user ID corresponding to each of the multiple user terminals 200. The first server 310 stores identification data of the user terminal 200 used by the user identified by the user ID, associated with the user ID. The first server 310 can notify messages addressed to the user ID.

[0033] The second server 320 is a search server that searches for relevant documents or information in response to an input query and returns the relevant documents or information to the requester. Existing search engines such as vector search are used to search for relevant documents and information. In one example, the second server 320 is a general-purpose search server that returns search results in response to external search requests. Alternatively, the second server 320 may be a dedicated search server that can access a database DB that stores information such as operation manuals, service guides, technical handbooks, installation instructions, customer information, operation data during trial operation, and operation data after the start of operation for the air conditioner 100, and searches the database DB in response to external search requests and returns the search results to the requester. The database DB may also register construction information when the air conditioner 100 was installed (installation location of indoor and outdoor units, piping length, floor plan, year of construction), information about the installed air conditioner 100 (model, Ua value, horsepower, etc.), and sales information for each employee.

[0034] The air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment implements a "communication method for AI to send maintenance notifications" using at least one of the generation model MD2 installed on the user terminal 200 and the generation model MD3 installed on the first server 310. This "communication method for AI to send maintenance notifications" may be implemented using only the content output from the generation model MD2 installed on the user terminal 200, or it may be implemented using only the content output from the generation model MD3 installed on the first server 310.

[0035] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "communication method for sending maintenance notifications from the AI" may be realized through the cooperation of the generation model MD2 installed on the user terminal 200 and the generation model MD3 installed on the first server 310.

[0036] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "communication method for sending maintenance notifications from the AI" may be implemented using a RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) mechanism. That is, in response to an input query from the air conditioner 100 or user terminal 200, the second server 320 may output documents or information related to the input query, and the first server 310 may generate content based on the documents or information output from the second server 320 and return the content to the air conditioner 100 or user terminal 200. By using a RAG mechanism, more accurate and relevant content can be provided.

[0037] In the first embodiment, the user terminal 200 is configured to have the generation model MD2 installed. Alternatively, the generation model may be installed in the air conditioner 100. In this case, the "communication method for AI to contact for maintenance" may be implemented using the generation model MD1 (see Figure 2) installed in the air conditioner 100. Alternatively, the "communication method for AI to contact for maintenance" may be implemented by the cooperation of the generation model MD1 of the air conditioner 100 and the generation model MD3 of the first server 310.

[0038] Furthermore, generation models may be installed on both the air conditioner 100 and the user terminal 200. In this case, at least two of the generation models, MD1 of the air conditioner 100, MD2 of the user terminal 200, and MD3 of the first server 310, may work together to realize the "communication method for AI to contact about maintenance."

[0039] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 comprises a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a communication unit 103, a sensor unit 104, and a drive unit 110.

[0040] The control unit 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The ROM in the control unit 101 stores control programs for controlling the operation of the drive unit 110. The CPU in the control unit 101 executes the control programs stored in the ROM and various computer programs stored in the memory unit 102, and controls the operation of the drive unit 110, thereby making the entire device function as the air conditioner 100 in this disclosure.

[0041] The storage unit 102 is equipped with a storage device such as flash memory. The storage unit 102 stores various computer programs to be executed by the control unit 101, as well as data necessary for the execution of these programs.

[0042] The computer program (program product) stored in the memory unit 102 includes a control program PG1 for realizing the "communication method for AI to contact for maintenance" described above. The control program PG1 may be a single computer program or a group of programs composed of multiple computer programs. The control program PG1 may be executed collaboratively by multiple computers.

[0043] The computer program, including the control program PG1, is provided, for example, on a non-temporary recording medium RM1 on which the computer program is recorded in a readable format. The recording medium RM1 is a portable memory such as a CD-ROM, USB memory, SD card, microSD card, or CompactFlash®. The control unit 101 reads various computer programs from the recording medium RM1 using a reading device (not shown in the figure) and stores the read computer programs in the storage unit 102. The computer programs stored in the storage unit 102 may also be provided via communication. In this case, the control unit 101 acquires the computer programs via communication through the communication unit 103 and stores the acquired computer programs in the storage unit 102.

[0044] The data stored in the storage unit 102 may include at least one of an operation manual, a service guide, a technical handbook, an installation instruction, customer information, operation data during trial operation, and operation data after the start of operation.

[0045] When the air conditioner 100 is equipped with generative AI, the generative model MD1 that constructs the generative AI is stored in the storage unit 102. The generative model MD1 is a model that generates new content in response to inputs such as text, audio, still images, and moving images. The content generated by the generative model MD1 includes text, sounds such as audio or music, images such as still images or moving images, and the like. The generative model MD1 is an original model obtained by fine-tuning and / or distilling (lightweighting) an existing model such as GPT, BERT, GAN, Wave Net, DALL-E, or Stable Diffusion for a specific application, for example.

[0046] The communication unit 103 includes a communication interface for communicating with a user terminal 200 or the like. As the communication interface included in the communication unit 103, a communication interface conforming to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) can be used. Alternatively, a communication interface conforming to a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth may be used. The communication unit 103 may be configured to be capable of communicating with an air purifier 151, a circulator 152, a diffuser 153, a lighting device 154, an audio device 155, and the like, in addition to the user terminal 200.

[0047] The communication unit 103 may further include a communication interface for communicating with the first server 310 or the second server 320. As such a communication interface, a wireless communication interface such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), 3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE (Long Term Evolution) can be used.

[0048] The sensor unit 104 includes one or more sensors that measure various physical quantities in an indoor environment or the state of a user. The sensors included in the sensor unit 104 include sensors that measure at least one of indoor temperature, humidity, heat, CO₂ concentration, and illuminance. The sensor unit 104 may also include sensors that measure a user's movement, facial expression, and the like.

[0049] The drive unit 110 includes a compressor 111, a four-way switching valve 112, an indoor fan 113, a flap 114, and the like. The compressor 111 is a device for sucking in a refrigerant in a constant-temperature and low-pressure gaseous state and compressing the refrigerant into a high-temperature and high-pressure gas. During cooling operation, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 111 returns to the suction side of the compressor 111 via an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, a first indoor heat exchanger, a solenoid valve, and a second indoor heat exchanger. In this refrigeration cycle, heat is radiated by the outdoor heat exchanger functioning as a condenser, and indoor air is cooled by the first and second indoor heat exchangers functioning as evaporators to perform cooling. During heating operation, the four-way switching valve 112 switches the path, and heating is performed in a cycle reverse to that in cooling operation.

[0050] The indoor fan 113 is a device for uniformly circulating cooled air or warmed air throughout the room. The air volume generated by the indoor fan 113 is controlled by a control command from the control unit 101. By adjusting the air volume generated by the indoor fan 113, the efficiency of cooling and heating can be improved, and energy consumption can be reduced.

[0051] The flap 114 is a device for adjusting the direction of air sent out from the air conditioner 100. The orientation of the flap 114 is controlled by a control command from the control unit 101. By securing an appropriate air flow with the flap 114, the efficiency of cooling and heating can be improved, and energy consumption can be reduced.

[0052] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the user terminal 200. The user terminal 200 is a terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, or smart speaker, and includes a control unit 201, a storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, an imaging unit 204, an audio input unit 205, an audio output unit 206, a positioning unit 207, an operation unit 208, and a display unit 209.

[0053] The control unit 201 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The ROM in the control unit 201 stores control programs and the like that control the operation of each hardware component of the user terminal 200. The CPU in the control unit 201 reads and executes the control programs stored in the ROM and the computer programs stored in the memory unit 202, and controls the operation of the hardware components, thereby making the entire device function as the user terminal 200 in this disclosure. The RAM in the control unit 201 temporarily stores data used during the execution of calculations.

[0054] In the first embodiment, the control unit 201 is configured to include a CPU, ROM, and RAM. Alternatively, the control unit 201 may be one or more control circuits or processing circuits that include, for example, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), quantum processor, volatile or non-volatile memory, etc. The control unit 201 may also include functions such as a clock that outputs date and time information, a timer that measures the elapsed time from the time a measurement start instruction is given to the time a measurement end instruction is given, and a counter that counts numbers.

[0055] The storage unit 202 includes a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 202 stores various computer programs executed by the control unit 201 and various data used by the control unit 201.

[0056] The computer program (program product) stored in the memory unit 202 includes a control program PG2 for realizing the "communication method for AI to contact for maintenance". The control program PG2 may be a single computer program or a group of programs composed of multiple computer programs. The control program PG2 may be executed collaboratively by multiple computers. For example, the "communication method for AI to contact for maintenance" may be realized by the cooperation of the control program PG1 installed in the air conditioner 100 and the control program PG2 installed in the user terminal 200.

[0057] The computer program, including the control program PG2, is provided, for example, on a non-temporary recording medium RM2 on which the computer program is recorded in a readable format. The recording medium RM2 is a portable memory such as a CD-ROM, USB memory, SD card, microSD card, or CompactFlash®. The control unit 201 reads various computer programs from the recording medium RM2 using a reading device (not shown in the figure) and stores the read computer programs in the storage unit 202. The computer programs stored in the storage unit 202 may also be provided via communication. In this case, the control unit 201 acquires the computer programs via communication through the communication unit 203 and stores the acquired computer programs in the storage unit 202.

[0058] The memory unit 202 may include a generation model MD2. The generation model MD2 is a model that generates new content in response to inputs such as text, audio, still images, and videos. The content generated by the generation model MD2 includes text, audio or music, images such as still images or videos, etc. The generation model MD2 is a unique model that has been distilled (lightened) for a specific purpose from existing models such as GPT, BERT, GAN, Wave Net, DALL-E, and Stable Diffusion.

[0059] The communication unit 203 is equipped with a communication interface for communicating with the air conditioner 100 and the like. The communication interface provided by the communication unit 203 can be a communication interface compliant with a wireless LAN communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Alternatively, a communication interface compliant with a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth may be used. In addition to the air conditioner 100, the communication unit 203 may be configured to communicate with an air purifier 151, a circulator 152, a diffuser 153, lighting equipment 154, sound equipment 155, and the like.

[0060] The communication unit 203 further includes a communication interface for communicating with the first server 310 or the second server 320. Such a communication interface can be a wireless communication interface such as Wi-Fi®, 3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0061] The imaging unit 204 is equipped with an image sensor such as a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device), and generates an image (still image or video) of the object to be imaged by imaging the object. The imaging unit 204 outputs the image data related to the generated image to the control unit 201. The control unit 201 stores the input image data in the storage unit 202. The control unit 201 may display the image based on the image data on the display unit 209, or transmit it to the outside via the communication unit 203.

[0062] The audio input unit 205 includes a microphone for collecting sound, a processing circuit for converting the collected sound into a digital signal (audio data), and the like. The audio data generated in the audio input unit 205 is sent to the control unit 201, where appropriate processing such as noise reduction is performed. The audio data generated in the audio input unit 205 is also stored in the storage unit 202 or transmitted to the first server 310 via the communication unit 203.

[0063] The audio output unit 206 is equipped with a speaker that outputs sound. The audio output unit 206 plays sound based on the audio data provided by the control unit 201. In the first embodiment, the audio input unit 205 and the audio output unit 206 are configured to input and output sound, but sounds other than voice (ambient sounds, music, etc.) may be input to the audio input unit 205 and sounds other than voice (ambient sounds, music, etc.) may be output from the audio output unit 206.

[0064] The positioning unit 207, for example, is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver and receives radio waves transmitted from GPS satellites to determine the current location of the user terminal 200. The positioning unit 207 outputs location information related to the determined current location of the user terminal 200 to the control unit 201.

[0065] The operation unit 208 is equipped with operating devices such as a touch panel, keyboard, and switches, and accepts various inputs and operations from the user. The control unit 201 acquires information input through the operation unit 208 and performs appropriate control based on the various operation information provided by the operation unit 208.

[0066] The display unit 209 is equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) monitor, and displays information that should be notified to the user in response to instructions from the control unit 201.

[0067] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the first server 310. The first server 310 is a dedicated or general-purpose server computer and includes a control unit 311, a storage unit 312, a communication unit 313, and the like.

[0068] The control unit 311 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The ROM in the control unit 311 stores control programs and the like that control the operation of each hardware component of the first server 310. The CPU in the control unit 311 reads and executes the control programs stored in the ROM and the computer programs stored in the memory unit 312, and controls the operation of each hardware component, thereby making the entire device function as the first server 310 in this disclosure. The RAM in the control unit 311 temporarily stores data used during the execution of calculations.

[0069] In this embodiment, the control unit 311 is configured to include a CPU, ROM, and RAM, but the configuration of the control unit 311 is not limited to the above. The control unit 311 may also include functions such as a clock for outputting date and time information, a timer for measuring the elapsed time from the time a measurement start instruction is given until a measurement end instruction is given, and a counter for counting numbers.

[0070] The storage unit 312 includes a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 312 stores various computer programs executed by the control unit 311, various data acquired through the communication unit 313, and various data used by the control unit 311.

[0071] The computer program (program product) stored in the memory unit 312 may include a control program PG3 for realizing the "communication method for AI to contact for maintenance". The control program PG3 may be a single computer program or a group of programs composed of multiple computer programs. The control program PG3 may be executed collaboratively by multiple computers. For example, the control program PG3 may realize the "communication method for AI to contact for maintenance" by collaborating with the control program PG1 installed in the air conditioner 100 or the control program PG2 installed in the user terminal 200.

[0072] The computer program, including the control program PG3, is provided, for example, on a non-temporary recording medium RM3 on which the computer program is recorded in a readable format. The recording medium RM3 is a portable memory such as a CD-ROM, USB memory, SD card, microSD card, or CompactFlash®. The control unit 311 reads various computer programs from the recording medium RM3 using a reading device (not shown in the figure) and stores the read computer programs in the storage unit 312. The computer programs stored in the storage unit 312 may also be provided via communication. In this case, the control unit 311 acquires the computer programs via communication through the communication unit 313 and stores the acquired computer programs in the storage unit 312.

[0073] The memory unit 312 may include a generation model MD3. The generation model MD3 is a model that generates new content in response to inputs such as text, audio, still images, and videos. The content generated by the generation model MD3 includes text, audio or music, images such as still images or videos, etc. The generation model MD3 may be an existing model such as GPT, BERT, GAN, Wave Net, DALL-E, or Stable Diffusion, or it may be a proprietary model fine-tuned for a specific application.

[0074] The communication unit 313 is equipped with a communication interface for communicating with a user terminal 200 or the like. The communication interface provided by the communication unit 313 can be a wireless communication interface such as 3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0075] The first server 310 may include an operation unit for receiving operations from administrators, a display unit for displaying information to be notified to administrators, etc. The first server 310 may be a single computer, or it may be a computer system composed of multiple computers and peripheral devices.

[0076] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the second server 320. The second server 320 is a dedicated or general-purpose server computer and includes a control unit 321, a storage unit 322, a communication unit 323, and the like.

[0077] The control unit 321 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The ROM in the control unit 321 stores control programs and the like that control the operation of each hardware component of the second server 320. The CPU in the control unit 321 reads and executes the control programs stored in the ROM and the computer programs stored in the memory unit 322, and controls the operation of each hardware component, thereby making the entire device function as the second server 320 in this disclosure. The RAM in the control unit 321 temporarily stores data used during the execution of calculations.

[0078] In this embodiment, the control unit 321 is configured to include a CPU, ROM, and RAM, but the configuration of the control unit 321 is not limited to the above. The control unit 321 may also include functions such as a clock for outputting date and time information, a timer for measuring the elapsed time from the time a measurement start instruction is given until a measurement end instruction is given, and a counter for counting numbers.

[0079] The storage unit 322 includes a storage device such as an HDD or SSD. The storage unit 322 stores various computer programs executed by the control unit 321, various data acquired through the communication unit 323, and various data used by the control unit 321.

[0080] The storage unit 322 may also include a database DB for storing information such as the operation manual, service guide, technical handbook, installation instructions, customer information, operation data during trial operation, and operation data after the start of operation for the air conditioner 100. The database DB may further register construction information when the air conditioner 100 was installed (installation location of indoor and outdoor units, piping length, floor plan, and year of construction), information about the installed air conditioner 100 (model, Ua value, horsepower, etc.), and sales information for each employee.

[0081] The communication unit 323 is equipped with a communication interface for communicating with a user terminal 200 or the like. The communication interface provided by the communication unit 323 can be a wireless communication interface such as 3G, 4G, 5G, or LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0082] The second server 320 may include an operation unit for receiving operations from administrators, a display unit for displaying information to be notified to administrators, etc. The second server 320 may be a single computer, or it may be a computer system composed of multiple computers and peripheral devices.

[0083] In the air conditioning system 1 configured in this way, the user terminal 200 receives notifications from devices that have a maintenance notification function on their own devices, such as the air conditioner 100, and provides the user with maintenance information tailored to the user's circumstances. In the following description, a refrigerator 156, a washing machine 157, and a humidifier 158 are used as examples of devices. In the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment 1, the probability of the user performing maintenance work is increased by using the generation model MD2 to propose maintenance in an interactive format as needed, and if the work cannot be performed, it is possible to provide further notifications tailored to the circumstances.

[0084] As a specific example, the air conditioning system 1 notifies the user of maintenance such as filter cleaning, filter replacement, and main unit cover cleaning for the air conditioner 100. For example, the air conditioning system 1 notifies the user of maintenance such as cleaning the inside of the refrigerator 156, including the ice maker, cleaning the outside of the refrigerator, cleaning the filters, and cleaning the gaskets. For the washing machine 157, the air conditioning system 1 notifies the user of maintenance such as cleaning the washing tub and cleaning each filter. For the humidifier 158, the air conditioning system 1 notifies the user of maintenance such as tank cleaning, filter replacement, and water replenishment. Maintenance includes maintenance procedures that the user needs to perform to maintain or improve the function of home appliances, including the air conditioner 100, and notifies the user of inspections, performance adjustments, or software updates in addition to the cleaning or parts replacements mentioned above.

[0085] The following describes in detail the configuration and processing that improves the probability of maintenance being performed by the user terminal 200 in order to guide the user to the proper use of home appliances, including the air conditioner 100.

[0086] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the user terminal 200 in the air conditioning system 1. In the first embodiment, the control unit 201 of the user terminal 200 functions as a maintenance identification unit 211, a notification data output unit 212, and an output timing determination unit 213 based on the control program PG2.

[0087] The control unit 201, which functions as a maintenance identification unit 211, identifies the time when maintenance of the air conditioner 100 is required and the content of the required maintenance. The maintenance identification unit 211 may identify the timing when it receives a notification from the diagnostic unit of the air conditioner 100 via the communication unit 203 as the time when maintenance is required, and may identify the content of the required maintenance from the content of the notification. When the maintenance identification unit 211 receives a maintenance notification via the communication unit 203, it may not be limited to the air conditioner 100, but may also receive notifications from diagnostic units built into home appliances such as the refrigerator 156, washing machine 157, and humidifier 158. Other devices besides the air conditioner 100, refrigerator 156, washing machine 157, and humidifier 158 may also be included as targets for receiving maintenance notifications.

[0088] The maintenance identification unit 211 may identify the timing and content of necessary maintenance based on documentation data such as the manual for the air conditioner 100, the maintenance cycle described in the documentation data, the history of the previous maintenance performed stored in the storage unit 202, and the date and time information at the time of processing. The maintenance identification unit 211 may also identify the timing and content of necessary maintenance based on the date and time information at the time of processing and the maintenance schedule stored in the storage unit 202 in association with the identification data of the air conditioner 100. The maintenance identification unit 211 may also use the generation model MD2 as an agent to identify the timing and content of necessary maintenance.

[0089] The control unit 201, which functions as a notification data output unit 212, outputs notification data regarding maintenance of the air conditioner 100 using the generation model MD2. The notification data output unit 212 may also generate a prompt to output notification data regarding maintenance of the air conditioner 100, and provide this prompt to the generation model MD2 to output the notification data. The prompt may include, for example, an instruction to specify the time and content of the maintenance required, as identified by the maintenance identification unit 211, and to create notification data which is a message in natural language. The notification data output unit 212 may output notification data that includes not only text, but also one or all of the following: audio, images, and videos.

[0090] The control unit 201, which functions as an output timing determination unit 213, determines the timing for the notification data output unit 212 to output notification data. The output timing determination unit 213 may determine the timing at which the notification data is output from the notification data output unit 212 as the timing for notifying the user.

[0091] The output timing determination unit 213 may determine the output timing by prompting the generation model MD2 to output notification data and suggesting a timing for outputting the notification data. The output timing determination unit 213 may determine the frequency or interval based on the priority of the maintenance content, and the output timing based on the maintenance execution history, based on data such as the air conditioner 100 manual stored in the storage unit 202, or settings stored in advance.

[0092] The above-described functions of the control unit 201 of the user terminal 200 enable the air conditioning system 1 to either make maintenance notifications for the air conditioner 100 interactive or to time notifications appropriately, so that users do not ignore them. The above-described functions are basically implemented in each component of the user terminal 200, but may be implemented in cooperation with the first server 310 and the second server 320 in some cases.

[0093] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the maintenance notification procedure by the air conditioning system 1 in the first embodiment. The following processing procedure starts when the user starts the control program PG2 on the user terminal 200.

[0094] The control unit 201 of the user terminal 200 determines, based on the function of the maintenance identification unit 211, whether or not it has received a maintenance notification from any of the air conditioner 100, refrigerator 156, washing machine 157, and humidifier 158 via the communication unit 203 (step S101). The determination in step S101 is performed several times a day, according to a schedule based on the specified timing of notification output for each of the air conditioner 100, refrigerator 156, washing machine 157, and humidifier 158 (for example, notification at noon).

[0095] If it is determined in step S101 that a maintenance notification has been received (S101: YES), the control unit 201 identifies the details of the necessary maintenance included in the received maintenance notification (step S102).

[0096] The control unit 201 sets the processing time to a period when maintenance is required and generates a prompt to instruct the creation of notification data as the content of the identified required maintenance (step S103). The prompt instructs the output of a spoken message in the form of an inquiry that informs the user of the maintenance and prompts them to input the results of the maintenance.

[0097] The control unit 201 provides the generated prompt to the generation model MD2 (step S104) and obtains the output from the generation model MD2 (step S105). The control unit 201 determines the timing for outputting the obtained output from the display unit 209 or the audio output unit 206 using the function of the output timing determination unit 213 (step S106). The control unit 201 displays (outputs) the output to the display unit 209 at the determined output timing (step S107). In step S107, the control unit 201 may also emit sound from the audio output unit 206 in response to the output from the generation model MD2.

[0098] The control unit 201 receives a response message from the user regarding the output displayed in step S107 (step S108), and determines whether or not maintenance has been performed based on the received response message (step S109). If the control unit 201 determines that maintenance has been performed (S109: YES), it stores the maintenance history (step S110). Based on the maintenance history and document data such as manuals from one of the notification sources, the air conditioner 100, refrigerator 156, washing machine 157, and humidifier 158, the control unit 201 determines and stores the next maintenance date and maintenance details (step S111), and terminates the process. The process in step S111 may be executed by the generation model MD2 which is configured to refer to document data, or it may be executed by another process.

[0099] The control unit 201 may determine whether the maintenance in step S109 has been performed by providing the acquired response statement to the generation model MD2, causing it to output data indicating whether the maintenance was performed and when it was performed, and storing the maintenance history from the output result. The control unit 201 may also update the maintenance history stored in the generation model MD2. The control unit 201 may also determine whether the response statement indicates that maintenance has been performed and, if so, the date, based on natural language processing, without using the generation model MD2.

[0100] If it is determined in step S109 that maintenance has not been performed (S109: NO), the control unit 201 uses the generation model MD2 to display (output) notification data, which is a message prompting maintenance to be performed, on the display unit 209 (step S112). The process in step S112 may also be implemented by audio output from the audio output unit 206. The control unit 201 returns to step S108 and waits until it receives a response message indicating that maintenance has been performed. If a response message indicating that maintenance has been performed is not received after a predetermined time has elapsed, it outputs notification data and records that maintenance has not been performed, and terminates the process. In this case, the control unit 201 may proceed to step S113.

[0101] In step S112, if the control unit 201 displays notification data, which is a message prompting maintenance to be performed, the function of the output timing determination unit 213 may determine the frequency or interval at which the notification data is output according to the priority corresponding to the maintenance content. For example, for maintenance that is urgent and has a high priority, the control unit 201 may output notification data at a relatively high frequency, for example, daily, until it receives a response message indicating that the maintenance has been performed, and for maintenance that is not urgent, it may output a message prompting maintenance to be performed again, for example, within one week.

[0102] If it is determined in step S101 that no maintenance notification has been received (S101: NO), the control unit 201 uses the function of the maintenance identification unit 211 to determine whether it is time for maintenance (step S113).

[0103] In step S113, the control unit 201 may determine an implementation schedule based on the maintenance history and documentation data such as the manual for the target air conditioner 100, and then compare the determined implementation schedule with the processing time to determine whether maintenance is necessary. If an implementation schedule has been determined at step S113, the control unit 201 may compare that implementation schedule with the processing time to determine whether maintenance is necessary.

[0104] If, in step S113, the control unit 201 determines that the time for maintenance has not yet arrived (S113: NO), the process returns to step S101.

[0105] If, in step S113, the control unit 201 determines that it is time for maintenance (S113: YES), it sets the processing time to the time when maintenance is required and proceeds to step S103.

[0106] In the processing procedure shown in Figure 7, the control unit 201 primarily performs the generation of notification data as the processing to be executed by the generation model MD2. However, in addition to this, the control unit 201 may also have the generation model MD2, which functions as an agent, perform the processing of receiving maintenance notifications from the air conditioner 100 and displaying notification data from the user terminal 200.

[0107] The processing procedure shown in Figure 7 will be explained in detail with reference to a diagram illustrating a specific example. Figure 8 shows an example of a generated prompt. In step S103, the control unit 201 of the user terminal 200 assigns a role to "Home Appliance Operation Concierge," as shown in Figure 8, and generates a prompt that instructs the user to output a message indicating the need for maintenance and to request a response indicating the result once the maintenance is completed. The prompt exemplified in Figure 8 may be stored in the storage unit 202. The prompt generated in step S103 may also include, as shown in Figure 8, an additional instruction: a method for responding to the user's response message.

[0108] Figures 9-12 show an example of a notification screen 290 output to the display unit 209. The notification screen 290 shown in Figures 9-12 is displayed when the control program PG2 starts up while the user is using the user terminal 200, executes the process shown in Figure 7 in the background, and obtains a maintenance notification. Figures 9-12 show a screen in the form of a messaging application that exchanges messages between the user and the operation agent (concierge) of the home appliance using the control program PG2, and the output from the generation model MD2 and the text entered by the user are displayed in the form of speech bubbles.

[0109] The notification screen 290 shown in Figure 9 shows the state after notification data is output by the control unit 201 of the user terminal 200, the user inputs text as a response, and the control unit 201 outputs notification data again. The notification screen 290 includes an input area 291 for receiving input from the user and an output area 292 where text is displayed as notification data from the control unit 201.

[0110] As shown in Figure 9, the notification screen 290 displays the text "It's time to clean the air conditioner filter. When will you clean it?" in a speech bubble, as notification data triggered by a maintenance notification from the air conditioner 100. The control unit 201, through the function of the maintenance identification unit 211, not only notifies the user of "filter cleaning" when the air conditioner 100 sends a "filter cleaning" notification via a timer function, but also outputs the question "When will you do it?" through the function of the notification data output unit 212. This makes the user more aware of when to perform the cleaning compared to, for example, simply displaying the notification on the air conditioner 100's control panel, and reduces the possibility of the notification being ignored.

[0111] In the notification screen 290 shown in Figure 9, the result of the user entering "I just cleaned it" is reflected. The control unit 201 of the user terminal 200 determines that the response corresponds to a report of completion of the task and stores the task history. In the example shown in Figure 9, the control unit 201 determines that the next maintenance will be two months from now and that the maintenance content will be the same filter cleaning as this time, and outputs the message "We will notify you in about two months" using the generation model MD2. As a result, the user is aware of the maintenance schedule and can continue to use the air conditioner 100 appropriately.

[0112] The notification screen 290 shown in Figure 10 illustrates an example where, after viewing a message based on a maintenance notification, the user does not immediately perform the maintenance but instead enters a maintenance schedule. In the notification screen 290 of Figure 10, the same notification data as shown in Figure 9 is displayed as a notification triggered by a maintenance notification from the air conditioner 100. In the notification screen 290 of Figure 10, the result of the user entering "I will clean today" is reflected. As a result, the control unit 201 of the user terminal 200 determines that the notified maintenance has not been performed, and a message prompting the user to perform the maintenance and to enter the schedule afterward, "Please let us know when the cleaning is complete," is displayed on the display unit 209. This makes the user more aware of performing the maintenance according to their own schedule, reducing the possibility of the notification from the air conditioner 100 being ignored.

[0113] The notification screen 290 shown in Figure 11 illustrates an example where the user does not enter a response message for performing maintenance after the screen shown in Figure 10. The notification screen 290 in Figure 11 shows the state where, after the control unit 201 displays the message "Please notify us when cleaning is complete," the user does not enter a response message, and the control unit 201 determines the subsequent implementation schedule and displays a message based on this schedule. In the example of the notification screen 290 in Figure 11, the display unit 209 displays a message prompting the user to perform cleaning within one week and notify us, along with the maintenance schedule and input after completion. This makes the user more aware of the need for maintenance.

[0114] In the notification screen 290 shown in Figure 11, if the user does not input a response message indicating that maintenance will be performed, the control unit 201 may recognize that the user has not performed maintenance and output a message as notification data that warns of the consequences of not performing the necessary maintenance when maintenance is required. In this case, in step S112 of the processing procedure shown in Figure 7, the control unit 201 may instruct the generation model MD2 to output notification data that includes data indicating the consequences of not performing the necessary maintenance when maintenance is required. This makes the user more aware of the need to perform maintenance.

[0115] Figure 12 shows the notification screen 290 after the state shown in Figure 11, and after the user has entered a response message. In the notification screen 290 of Figure 12, the user has entered the message, "Sorry, it was completed yesterday." In the notification screen 290 of Figure 12, in response to the above message, the control unit 201 determines that maintenance has been performed (S109: YES), and the control unit 201 stores (updates) the maintenance history with a date prior to the processing time as the implementation date, and displays the message, "Understood." By clearly indicating that the system waits for a response message from the user after outputting notification data and then stores the fact that maintenance has been performed in the history, the user can be more strongly aware that maintenance has been performed.

[0116] In this way, the user is strongly reminded of the importance of maintenance, and maintenance of the air conditioner 100 can be carried out appropriately. In the first embodiment, the explanation focused on the air conditioner 100, but this can be applied not only to the air conditioner 100, but also to notifications for parts replacement in commercial air conditioners, cleaning of the ice maker and interior of the refrigerator 156, cleaning of the drum of a washing machine, or cleaning and water replenishment of a humidifier.

[0117] (Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, the user terminal 200 stores the usage history of the home appliance to be maintained, without being triggered by receiving a maintenance notification from the home appliance, and uses this to determine the timing and content of the maintenance required. The air conditioning system 1 in the second embodiment is the same as the air conditioning system 1 in the first embodiment, except for the detailed processing procedures described below, so the same reference numerals are used for common components and detailed explanations are omitted.

[0118] Figure 13 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the user terminal 200 in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the maintenance identification unit 211 also uses the generation model MD2 to identify when maintenance is required and what kind of maintenance is required.

[0119] In the second embodiment, the control unit 201 of the user terminal 200 acquires and uses the usage history accumulated by receiving, for example, an operation instruction for the air conditioner 100, from the storage unit 202 (or the storage unit 102 of the air conditioner 100) through the function of the maintenance identification unit 211. The usage history is, for example, the cumulative operating time. The usage history may also be the cumulative operating time for each operating mode (warm air / cool air / dry air). The usage history may also include information on the set temperature. The control unit 201 uses the maintenance execution history through the function of the maintenance identification unit 211. The control unit 201 uses documentation data such as the manual for the air conditioner 100 to be maintained through the function of the maintenance identification unit 211. The control unit 201 does not have to use all of the usage history, maintenance execution history, and documentation data of the air conditioner 100, but may use at least one of them.

[0120] In the second embodiment, the control unit 201 provides the generation model MD2 with the usage history of the air conditioner 100, the maintenance history, and data, as well as date and time information of the processing time and a prompt instructing it to propose when maintenance is needed and what kind of maintenance is needed. In addition to the date and time information, the control unit 201 may also provide calendar information that identifies the day of the week and public holidays. The control unit 201 identifies when maintenance is needed and what kind of maintenance is needed. The control unit 201 may use the function of the maintenance identification unit 211 to identify when maintenance is needed based on the processing time, or it may have the unit MD2 identify the maintenance that is needed within a predetermined period, such as within 30 days.

[0121] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the maintenance notification procedure by the air conditioning system 1 in the second embodiment. Of the processing steps shown in Figure 14, steps that are common to the processing steps shown in Figure 7 of the first embodiment are given the same step numbers and detailed explanations are omitted. The following processing steps are executed periodically if the control program PG2 is running in the background on the user terminal 200.

[0122] The control unit 201 determines, based on the function of the maintenance identification unit 211, whether the already determined maintenance schedule matches the processing time (step S121). If the control unit 201 determines that the implementation schedule matches the processing procedure (S121: YES), it identifies the content of the maintenance corresponding to the determined implementation schedule (step S122).

[0123] The control unit 201 sets the processing time to a period when maintenance is required and proceeds to S103, which generates a prompt to instruct the creation of notification data as the content of the identified required maintenance.

[0124] In the second embodiment, when the control unit 201 receives a response message indicating that maintenance should be performed (S109: YES), it stores the maintenance history (S110), and using the generation model MD2, it determines and stores the next maintenance timing and maintenance content based on the maintenance history including the newly performed maintenance, the updated usage history, the data, and the date and time information (step S123). The control unit 201 then terminates the process and performs the next maintenance at the next maintenance timing.

[0125] If, in step S121, it is determined that the implementation schedule does not match the processing time (S121: NO), the control unit 201 determines whether or not the maintenance implementation schedule has already been determined (step S124). If it is determined that the maintenance implementation schedule has already been determined (S124: YES), the control unit 201 returns the process to step S121.

[0126] If, in step S121, it is determined that the maintenance schedule has not yet been decided (S124: NO), the control unit 201, using the function of the maintenance identification unit 211 of the second embodiment, determines the maintenance timing and maintenance content at a point in time after the processing time as the maintenance schedule (step S125), and returns the process to step S121.

[0127] In the second embodiment, the control unit 201, using the function of the maintenance identification unit 211, identified the timing of necessary maintenance and the content of the necessary maintenance without being triggered by the receipt of a maintenance notification from the home appliance. However, maintenance notifications may be issued to the user based on both the receipt of a maintenance notification from the home appliance and scheduling based on usage history or execution history, etc.

[0128] In the second embodiment, the usage history of the air conditioner 100, such as the cumulative operating time, can be used to identify appropriate maintenance procedures and timings, thereby enabling more appropriate use of home appliances such as the air conditioner 100 and improving the user experience.

[0129] (Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment of the air conditioning system 1, the user terminal 200 uses the generation model MD3 of the first server 310 and the knowledge referenced by the second server 320 to perform processing. The air conditioning system 1 of the third embodiment is the same as the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment, except for the processing procedure described below, so the same reference numerals are used for common components and detailed explanations are omitted. In the third embodiment, the function of the notification data output unit 212 that uses the generation model MD3, which is one of the functions of the control unit 201 of the user terminal 200, is made to be performed by the control unit 311 of the first server 310.

[0130] The air conditioning system 1 of the third embodiment is applied to a space where multiple air conditioners 100 are installed. In this case, the control unit 201 of the user terminal 200 identifies the multiple air conditioners 100 and other home appliances such as a refrigerator 156, a washing machine 157, and a humidifier 158 by associating equipment information, including the model, product name, model number, or specifications, with equipment IDs. The control unit 201 of the user terminal 200 receives equipment information of the home appliances to be operated, including these multiple air conditioners 100, as a setting and stores it in the storage unit 202. The setting may be received by user operation, or the control unit 201 may obtain the information by communicating with each device, including the multiple air conditioners 100, via the communication unit 203, and automatically set by assigning a local ID to each device based on the control program PG2.

[0131] In the third embodiment of the air conditioning system 1, multiple user terminals 200 are connected to a first server 310, and the first server 310, with the generated model MD3 acting as an agent for operating home appliances, notifies each of the multiple user terminals 200 of maintenance. The first server 310 can individually identify the user terminals 200 by their user IDs and store the device information of the target device operated by each user terminal 200 as a user database in the storage unit 312. The first server 310 groups the user IDs of the multiple user terminals 200 by settings, such as family members or employees, and stores them in the user database of the storage unit 312, assigning priority to each user as a notification recipient.

[0132] Figure 15 is a functional block diagram of the air conditioning system 1 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the control unit 311 of the first server 310 functions as a maintenance identification unit 331, a notification data output unit 332, and an output timing determination unit 333 based on the control program PG3. Since each function is basically the same as the functions of the maintenance identification unit 211, notification data output unit 212, and output timing determination unit 213 of the control unit 201 of the user terminal 200 in the first embodiment, a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0133] The control unit 311, which functions as the maintenance identification unit 331 in the third embodiment, acquires and uses the usage history accumulated by receiving operation instructions for each piece of equipment (refrigerator 156, washing machine 157, and humidifier 158), including the air conditioner 100, from the user terminal 200. The maintenance identification unit 331 stores the maintenance history for each piece of equipment in the storage unit 312, associating it with the user ID (or the representative user ID if grouped), and can use it. The maintenance history may be shared with the user terminal 200. It can be acquired from the storage unit 202. The maintenance identification unit 331 in the third embodiment uses the generation model MD3 to identify the time when maintenance is required for each piece of equipment and the content of that maintenance, based on the acquired usage history and maintenance history and the data that can be acquired from the second server 320.

[0134] The control unit 311, which functions as a notification data output unit 332 in the third embodiment, uses the generation model MD3 to specify the time and content of the maintenance required, as identified by the maintenance identification unit 331, and creates notification data, which is a message in natural language.

[0135] The control unit 311, which functions as an output timing determination unit 333 in the third embodiment, determines the timing for outputting notification data. Basically, the output timing determination unit 333 determines the output timing to be a predetermined number of days before the time when maintenance is required, which is identified using the generation model MD3. The output timing determination unit 333 may also determine how many days in advance the output should be sent, the frequency, etc., based on the usage history and execution history corresponding to the user ID with high priority as the notification recipient, and the conversation history with the generation model MD3, which functions as an agent.

[0136] The functions of the notification data output unit 332 and the output timing determination unit 333 in the third embodiment may be integrated with the functions of the maintenance identification unit 331 by using the generation model MD3.

[0137] Figures 16-19 are flowcharts illustrating an example of a maintenance notification procedure by the air conditioning system 1 in the third embodiment. The following processing procedure is described assuming that it is executed at intervals such as once a day, triggered by processing on the user terminal 200, when the control program PG2 is started on the user terminal 200. Alternatively, it may be executed on the first server 310 according to a schedule.

[0138] The control unit 201 of the user terminal 200 acquires the device information and usage history of each device stored in the storage unit 202 using the function of the maintenance identification unit 211 (step S201), and transmits it to the first server 310 (step S202). In step S202, the control unit 201 transmits the user ID of the user using its device, along with the user ID.

[0139] The first server 310 receives equipment information and usage history for each device corresponding to the user terminal 200, associated with the user ID (step S301). The control unit 311 stores or updates the equipment information and usage history, associated with the user ID (step S302). Based on the received equipment information, the control unit 311 requests relevant information from the second server 320 (step S303). In step S303, the control unit 311 may add any of the following data to the request as equipment information, including the equipment ID, model, product name, model number, or specifications of each device, including the air conditioner 100.

[0140] The second server 320 receives a request for relevant information (step S401), and the control unit 321 identifies document data, including manuals or instructions for the target equipment, from the database DB based on the equipment information included in the request (step S402). The control unit 321 reads the identified knowledge data or obtains the reference location of the knowledge (step S403) and transmits it to the first server 310 (step S404).

[0141] The first server 310 receives knowledge data or a reference destination (step S304). The control unit 311 specifies the received knowledge data itself or a reference destination, and uses the usage history and execution history of each device associated with the target user ID, along with the device information, to generate a prompt that instructs the system to identify when maintenance is needed for multiple home appliances and what the maintenance should entail (step S305). In step S305, the control unit 311 may generate the prompt by reading one stored in the storage unit 312, automatically generate it based on a template, or generate it using the generation model MD3.

[0142] The control unit 311 provides the generation model MD3 with the equipment information, usage history, and execution history corresponding to the target user ID, the knowledge data itself or the specified reference destination received in step S304, and the prompt generated in step S305 (step S306). In step S306, if there is a conversation history, such as an ongoing conversation, the control unit 311 may also provide this to the generation model MD3. The control unit 311 obtains the timing and content of the maintenance required, which is output from the generation model MD3 (step S307). In step S307, the control unit 311 obtains the timing and content of the maintenance required for multiple air conditioners 100 together.

[0143] Based on the time obtained in step S307, the control unit 311 determines whether it is necessary to notify the corresponding user terminal 200 of maintenance for the home appliances, including multiple air conditioners 100, at the time of processing (step S308). In step S308, the control unit 311 may determine whether the time when maintenance is required for any of the multiple home appliances falls within a predetermined period from the time of processing, or it may use the generated model MD3 to determine whether notification is necessary at the time of processing. In step S308, the control unit 311 may predetermine an implementation schedule using the function of the output timing determination unit 333 and determine whether the time of processing corresponds to the implementation schedule.

[0144] If the control unit 311 determines that maintenance notification is not necessary at the time of processing (S308: NO), it returns to step S301, updates the usage history each time it receives it, and waits until the timing when maintenance notification is necessary. If there are any changes to the timing of maintenance or the content of the maintenance required by then, it determines whether maintenance notification is necessary according to the changes and executes the subsequent processing.

[0145] If the control unit 311 determines that maintenance notification is necessary at the time of processing (S308: YES), it generates a prompt to instruct the creation of notification data as the content of the identified necessary maintenance (step S309).

[0146] The prompt generated in step S309 includes an instruction to output notification data that summarizes the maintenance details for each of the multiple devices whose maintenance is required within a predetermined range from the initial point in time, based on a comparison of one of the device information, usage history, or implementation history with documentation data such as instruction manuals for each controlled device obtained from the knowledge data.

[0147] The control unit 311 provides the timing and details of the maintenance required, acquired in step S307, and the prompt generated in step S309 to the generation model MD3 (step S310), and acquires notification data from the generation model MD3 (step S311). The control unit 311 transmits the notification data to the user terminal 200 according to the timing determined by the function of the output timing determination unit 333 (step S312).

[0148] The control unit 201 of the user terminal 200 receives notification data compiled for multiple devices (step S203). If the first server 310 has already output notification data, the process in step S203 is skipped. In the third embodiment, the first server 310 not only uses the generation model MD3 to identify the timing and content of maintenance and generate the content of the notification data, but the content of the notification data and the timing of the notification data output may also be controlled by the generation model MD3.

[0149] The control unit 201 displays (outputs) the received notification data on the display unit 209 (step S204). In step S204, the control unit 201 may also emit sound from the audio output unit 206 in response to the output from the generation model MD2. The notification data displayed in step S204 is, for example, text that explains the content and timing of maintenance for multiple home appliances, including multiple air conditioners 100, whose maintenance period is within a predetermined range from the processing time. The notification data may also include images, audio, or video.

[0150] The control unit 201 receives a response message from the user regarding the notification data displayed in step S204 (step S205), and transmits the received response message to the first server 310 (step S206).

[0151] The control unit 311 of the first server 310 receives a response message from the user terminal 200 in response to the notification data transmitted in step S312 (step S313), and determines whether the response message corresponds to a report of completion of maintenance (step S314). If the control unit 311 determines that the received response message corresponds to a report of completion of maintenance (S314: YES), it stores (updates) the maintenance history of each device (step S315), sends a response message to the response message to the user terminal 200 (step S316), and terminates the process.

[0152] The user terminal 200 receives the response from the first server 310 (step S207), displays it on the display unit 209 (step S208), and then terminates the process.

[0153] If the control unit 311 determines in step S314 that the received response message does not correspond to a report of completion of maintenance (S314: NO), it determines whether the received response message is an inquiry to the equipment (151, 152, 153) including the air conditioner 100 (step S317).

[0154] If the control unit 311 determines that the response is an inquiry (S317: YES), it uses the generation model MD3 and, if necessary, the knowledge data obtained by the second server 320 to create a response to the inquiry (step S318). The control unit 311 sends the created response to the user terminal 200 (step S319) and returns the process to step S313. In this case, the user terminal 200 returns the process to step S204 and waits until it receives a maintenance completion report. This allows a conversation to take place between the user using the user terminal 200 and the agent based on the generation model MD3, and the history of this conversation is stored in the first server 310.

[0155] If the control unit 311 determines that the response is not an inquiry (S317: NO), it determines whether the response is a request for notification to another notification recipient (step S320). If the control unit 201 determines that it is not a request for notification to another notification recipient (S320: NO), it returns the process to step S313. In this case, it waits until it receives a response, and if necessary, it may send an utterance asking whether maintenance has been performed, as described in the second embodiment, and repeat this until it receives a response indicating that maintenance has been performed.

[0156] If the control unit 311 determines that the response is a request for notification to another notification recipient (S320: YES), it creates notification data for the other notification recipient user terminal 200 using the generation model MD3 (step S321), and transmits the notification data obtained from the generation model MD3 to the other notification recipient user terminal 200 (step S322). Thereafter, the control unit 311 executes the processing from step S310 onward with the other notification recipient user terminal 200, and repeats this until it receives a response indicating that the maintenance has been performed at the time of the maintenance that it has been identified as necessary, and the process is completed.

[0157] Figures 20-23 show an example of a notification screen 290 in the third embodiment. The notification screen 290 shown in Figure 20 is displayed on the user terminal 200 when notification data is transmitted from the first server 310 while the control program PG2 is running in the background or in the foreground. Similar to Figures 9-12 of the first embodiment, Figures 20-23 show a screen in the form of a messaging application that exchanges messages between the user and the operation agent (concierge) of the home appliance using the control program PG2, and the output from the generation model MD3 and the text entered by the user are displayed in the form of speech bubbles.

[0158] The notification screen 290 shown in Figures 20-23 shows the state after notification data has been output from the first server 310, the user has entered text as a response, and the control unit 201 has output notification data. The notification screen 290 shown in Figures 20-23 includes an input area 291 for receiving input from the user and an output area 292 for displaying text as notification data from the control unit 201.

[0159] In the notification screen 290 shown in Figure 20, the notification data for the air conditioner 100 named "Air Conditioner 1" displays the text "It's time to clean the filter of Air Conditioner 1" in a speech bubble. Furthermore, this notification data also displays the text "It's time for maintenance" in speech bubbles for another air conditioner 100 whose maintenance period falls within a predetermined range, as well as for the refrigerator 156 and the humidifier 158. The maintenance content for each of the other devices is specified as "filter cleaning," "ice maker cleaning," and "cleaning." In this way, the notification data is not distributed piecemeal, and notifications for home appliances nearing maintenance time are issued together, making it easier for users to plan their own maintenance schedules and improving maintenance efficiency. This is expected to increase the probability that users will perform maintenance work.

[0160] The notification screen 290 shown in Figure 20 reflects the user's input, "Understood. I cleaned the humidifier last night." As a result, the first server 310 determines that the response corresponds to a report of completion and stores (updates) the maintenance history for the humidifier 158, which is one of the multiple home appliances identified as requiring maintenance.

[0161] In the example shown in Figure 20, the user terminal 200 displays the text "Understood. Please let us know when you have completed the other maintenance." which is output by the first server 310. After this, unless the user cleans the filters of air conditioner 100, which is "Air Conditioner 1," and the other air conditioner 100, which is "Air Conditioner 2," and enters a response such as "Filter cleaning completed.", the user terminal 200 will output a message such as "Completion report not received." This allows the user to recognize the need for maintenance and to use each home appliance appropriately.

[0162] In the notification screen 290 shown in Figure 21, the notification data for the air conditioner 100 named "Air Conditioner 1" is displayed in a speech bubble with the text, "The *** part of Air Conditioner 1 needs to be replaced." Also in the notification screen 290 shown in Figure 21, it is indicated that documentation data such as the instruction manual for air conditioner 100 has been referenced as knowledge data, and the text, "According to the instruction manual for Air Conditioner 1, you need to contact a service technician," is displayed.

[0163] In the notification screen 290 shown in Figure 21, the result of the user entering "Please tell me the contact information" is reflected. In the first server 310, the control unit 311 determines that the response is an inquiry and not a report of completion of work. As a result, in the notification screen 290 of Figure 21, the response generated in response to the inquiry using the generation model MD3 and referring to the knowledge data is displayed as "The contact number for the service technician is as follows: 0***-****-***1. The hours are 9:00 to 17:00." Furthermore, by using the knowledge data, the first server 310 can generate notification data using the generation model MD3 that is a message to guide the user to call another phone number, taking into account that the time of processing is a busy period. As a result, the text "Since it is a busy period, you may be able to get assistance if you call the following phone number: 0***-****-***2" is added to the notification screen 290 of Figure 21.

[0164] In the notification screen 290 shown in Figures 22 and 23, similar to Figure 20, notification data for necessary maintenance for multiple home appliances is displayed together. Compared to Figure 20, the notification screen 290 shown in Figures 22 and 23 shows an example of how the response message is displayed when it is determined to be a message requesting notification to another user.

[0165] In the notification screen 290 shown in Figure 22, the user has entered "I can't handle this right now, please tell my husband." The control unit 311 in the first server 310 determines that the response is a request to inform another user. As a result, the notification screen 290 in Figure 22 uses the generation model MD3 for the request and, while referring to the user DB which stores grouped user IDs, displays a response that includes the phrase "I will inform your husband [BB]." Based on the memory of the relationship between the requesting user ID and the user ID of the other user to be informed, "husband" in the response is converted to the name "BB". In the notification screen 290 shown in Figure 22, notification data for the maintenance of the remaining home appliances is output until the user using the user terminal 200 in the figure enters a maintenance report for the other home appliances.

[0166] The notification screen 290 shown in Figure 23 is an example of what is displayed on the user terminal 200 used by user "BB" as shown in the notification screen 290 of Figure 22. In the notification screen 290 shown in Figure 23, the function of the first server 310 adds the following text in addition to the notification data shown in the notification screen 290 of Figure 22: "We have informed AA below, but we have been instructed to inform BB. Please let us know once you have taken action." "AA" is the name associated with the user ID of the requesting user, and is converted by the control unit 311 of the first server 310.

[0167] In Figure 23, the notification screen 290 shows that a user named "BB" has entered "I have cleaned the filter of air conditioner 1." In the first server 310, the control unit 311 determines that the response corresponds to a report of completion of the task and stores (updates) the maintenance history for the air conditioner 100 named "air conditioner 1" among the multiple home appliances identified as requiring maintenance.

[0168] In the notification screen 290 shown in Figure 23, notification data for the maintenance of the remaining home appliances is output until the user using the user terminal 200 in the figure, together with other family members, enters maintenance reports for the other shared home appliances.

[0169] In this way, by also having a function to notify other users, the air conditioning system 1 of the third embodiment can make users aware of the need to perform maintenance not only on the household air conditioner 100 shared by the family, but also on the commercial air conditioner 100, as well as on other home appliances such as the refrigerator 156, washing machine 157, or humidifier 158. Performing maintenance will lead users to use each home appliance, including the air conditioner 100, appropriately, and improve the user experience.

[0170] The embodiments disclosed above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims are equivalent.

[0171] 1. Air conditioning system 100. Air conditioner 156. Refrigerator 157. Washing machine 158. Humidifier 200. User terminal 201. Control unit 202. Memory unit 203. Communication unit 208. Operation unit 209. Display unit 290. Notification screen PG1, PG2, PG3. Control program MD1, MD2, MD3. Generation model

Claims

1. A maintenance information output method that identifies the timing and content of maintenance required for an air conditioner, generates a prompt that causes a generation model to output notification data regarding the maintenance of the air conditioner, and causes a computer to execute a process that outputs notification data generated by providing the prompt to the generation model according to the timing and content of the required maintenance.

2. The maintenance information output method according to claim 1, which stores the maintenance history of the air conditioner, and causes the computer to perform a process to identify the necessary maintenance time and the content of the maintenance based on the maintenance data of the air conditioner, the date and time information of the processing time, and the maintenance history.

3. A method for outputting maintenance information according to claim 2, which causes the computer to perform a process to acquire the required time and content by providing the generating model with one of the usage history of the air conditioner, the implementation history, and the data, the date and time information, and a prompt instructing the computer to identify the time and content of the maintenance that is required.

4. A maintenance information output method according to claim 1, wherein the generation model is provided with one of the following: the usage history of the air conditioner, the maintenance history of the air conditioner, and the data of the air conditioner, along with calendar information and a prompt instructing the computer to propose a timing for outputting the notification data, and the computer is instructed to output the notification data based on the timing proposed by the generation model.

5. The maintenance information output method according to claim 1, which causes the computer to perform a process to determine the frequency or interval at which the notification data is output, according to the priority determined based on the content of the maintenance.

6. The maintenance information output method according to claim 1, which causes the computer to perform a process to identify the timing and content of the maintenance required based on a notification from the diagnostic unit of the air conditioner.

7. A maintenance information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which causes the computer to perform a process to output to the generation model data that includes data showing the consequences of not performing the necessary maintenance at the time when the maintenance is required.

8. A maintenance information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the computer is instructed to perform a process of outputting, as notification data, text, audio, or images indicating the time and content of maintenance required.

9. A maintenance information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the computer receives a response message from a recipient to the notification data, and in response to the response message, the computer performs a process to store the maintenance execution history or the maintenance execution schedule.

10. The maintenance information output method according to claim 9, wherein, if the implementation schedule has been stored, the computer is instructed to perform a process to output the notification data again based on the implementation schedule.

11. A maintenance information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the method receives a response from a recipient to the notification data, and if the response is a question about the air conditioner, provides the generation model with the response as knowledge, including documentation data relating to the air conditioner, to create a response to the response, and causes the computer to perform a process to output the created response.

12. A maintenance information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which involves identifying the time and content of maintenance required for each of a plurality of air conditioners, generating a prompt to cause the generation model to output notification data that collectively notifies the content of the maintenance for a plurality of air conditioners whose maintenance time falls within a predetermined range from the processing time, and causing the computer to execute a process to output the notification data obtained by providing the generated prompt to the generation model.

13. A maintenance information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air conditioner stores a plurality of notification destinations, receives notification requests from the notification destinations to other notification destinations, and causes the computer to execute a process to notify the other notification destinations of notification data and the content of the request in response to the request.

14. The maintenance information output method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the subject of the maintenance includes a refrigerator, a washing machine, or a humidifier.

15. A computer program that causes a computer communicating with an air conditioner to identify the time and content of maintenance required for the air conditioner, generate a prompt to output notification data regarding the maintenance of the air conditioner to a generation model, and output notification data generated by providing the prompt to the generation model according to the time and content of the required maintenance.

16. A maintenance information output device comprising a control unit that identifies the timing and content of maintenance required for an air conditioner, generates a prompt to cause a generation model to output notification data regarding the maintenance of the air conditioner, and performs a process to output notification data generated by providing the prompt to the generation model according to the timing and content of the required maintenance.

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